Unit information: Individual Research Project 4 in 2014/15

Unit name	Individual Research Project 4
Unit code	EENGM8889
Credit points	40
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Hilton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The research project involves an extended investigation into the design of an unfamiliar product, process or system. It offers the opportunity for an in-depth study of a specialised subject, and requires both research and practical application. Each project occupies a nominal 240 hours of laboratory time (around 400 hours in total), and is carried out under the supervision of a member of staff. Importance is given to the planning of the work programme; the setting and achievement of objectives; laboratory record keeping; appropriateness of the design (including costing where appropriate); analysis of the results and overall presentation of the work. The Seminar Programme is compulsory for all students on this unit.

Elements

Research Project Dr G.S. Hilton

The precise aim of any particular project will vary between individual students, however, the work to be performed will, in general, not be repeating known work or techniques, other than where a new application is being explored. In this way the student will be encountering new challenges and is encouraged to seek and propose his or her own solutions to these challenges and hence demonstrate individual ability. The project will involve the design of either an item of hardware or a piece of software. Documentation of the work involves both the day-to-day recording of information in a laboratory notebook, together with a thesis at the end of the project.

Seminar Programme Dr G.S. Hilton

The Seminar programme, which runs throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms, provides an opportunity for invited speakers from industry to give talks on their areas of work. The level of presentation is aimed at 4th year undergraduates and the talks should also be of interest to MSc students and postgraduate researchers.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By undertaking this unit, students will be expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles relating to an engineering problem; an awareness of developing technologies in the area, together with an appreciation of their work in the wider multidisciplinary engineering context.
• Apply appropriate mathematical and engineering tools to the analysis of the problem; to demonstrate aptitude in assessing possible solutions and the formulation of suitable designs.
• Demonstrate technical competence in the practical design of hardware and/or software, and in the use of measurement equipment and analysis tools. Assess the limitations of the system: including commercial and industrial constraints.
• Show independent learning and the skills to individually tackle unfamiliar challenges. Show aptitude in project planning and monitoring, and updating plans to reflect changing operating environment. Record procedures and outcomes accurately in a laboratory notebook.
• Demonstrate report structuring, writing and presentation skills by means of the interim assessment, poster presentation and project report. Field/respond to challenging technical questions as part of the poster presentation.

Teaching Information

Combination of lectures and laboratory sessions

Assessment Information

• Interim Assessment - written report and talk, 8%

• Poster presentation - poster design and questioning, 20%

• Performance assessment by supervisor - Motivation, project management; design and practical implementation, 12%

• Thesis of approximately 8,000 - 10,000 words, marked by two people:

• Supervisor - content & communication, 30%

• Assessor - content & communication, 30%

Reading and References

Project-dependent - supplied by academic supervisor